Welding equipment



/ Jan. 20, 1942. H. T. PLATZ 2,270,767

WELDING EQUIPMENT Filed Jan. 29, 1940 7 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

HENRY THQMAS PLA Z ATTORNEYS A "(Sheets-Sheet 2 HENRY THOMAS WWY Jan. 20, 1942 H. T. PLATZ WELDING EQUIPMENT Filed Jan 29,

Jan. 20, 1942. LATZ 2,270,767

WELDVING EQUIPMENT Filed Jan. 29, 1940 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR.

HENRY THOMAS PLATZ ATTORNEY Jan. 20, 1942. H. T. PLATZ WELDING EQUIPMENT 7 Sheets-Sheec 4 Filed Jan. 29, 1940 B Q 2. N

INVENTOR.

THOMAS P LATZ bSW AZTORNEYS Jan. 20, 1942. H. T. PLATZ 2,270,767

- WELDING EQUIPMENT 7 Filed Jan. 29, 1940 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

HENRY THOMAS PL TZ v QASWWM v ATTORNEY s Jan. 20, 1942. H. T. PLATZ WELDING EQUIPMENT Filed Jan. 29, 1940 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 v INVENTOR.

HEN RY T NON S P IPII II .II III l. allll LATZ FIG. l5.

ATTORNEY Patented Jan. 20, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,270,767 WELDING EQUIPMENT Henry Thomas Platz, Detroit, Mich., assignor to Briggs Manufacturing Company, Detroit, Mich., a corporation of Michigan Application January 29, 1940, Serial No. 316,241

22 Claims.

.This invention relates generally to welding apparatus and refers more particularly to improvements in welding equipment of the-type having electrodes relatively movable into engagement with the work.

One of the principal objects of this invention resides in the provision of a welder having an electrode movable into engagement with the work by fiuidpressure and having means controlling the pressures applied tothe electrode rendering it possible to not only regulate the rate'of travel of the electrode toward the work, but to also regulate the time maximum pressure is applied \to the work by the electrode.

Another advantageous feature of the present supply the fluid pressure to the switch required to close the circuit to the electrodes.

In addition to the foregoing, the present invention contemplates circulating a cooling medium in heat conducting relationship to the electrodes so as to insure sufficient solidification of the metal before the higher forging pressures are applied to the work. As a result, the time involved to complete one welding cycle is reduced and this is particularly advantageous in production.

With the foregoing, as well as'other objects in view, the invention resides in the novel relatively simple apparatus which insures obtaining invention resides in the provision of a welder of the type set forth having means effective during the pressure cycle to close and open an electric circuit serving the electrodes. v

Still another object of the present invention resides in the provision of a welder having means for regulating the interval of operation of the circuit controlling means in. the pressure cycle; In other words, with the present invention, the

t actual welding period may be effected at any the accurate control of the pressures and welding cycle required to satisfactorily weld metals of relatively low melting temperatures.

- The above will be made more apparent as this description proceeds, especially when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings,

wherein:-

Figure 1 is a' fragmentary sectional view through a portable welding device constructed in-accordance with this invention;

point in the pressure cycle before the maximum or forging pressure is reached. For example, in welding metals having a relatively low melting point, such as aluminum or certain alloys of aluminum, it maybe desirable to effect the weld at a relatively low pressure so that the metal has an opportunity to forge during application of increasing pressure and to cool before the electrodes disengage.

A still further object of the present invention consists in the provision of a welder wherein the electrodes are relatively moved into engagement with the work by a fluid pressure operated 'device and wherein both the 'pressure control means and the circuit control means are actuated by said device to operate their respective instrumentalities in timed relation to movement of said device.

In accordance with the present invention, the pressure control means is in the form ofa valve connected to the device for admitting fluid under pressure to thedevice at a variable rate depending upon the nature of the" work to be welded and various other conditions. In addition, the

circuit control means is in the form of a fluid Figure 2 is an enlarged side elevational view, partly in section, of a portion of the device shown in Figure 1; I

Figure 3 is a plan view of the construction shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is an end elevational view of the construction shown in Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken substantially on the'plane indicated by the'line 5-5 of Fig-' sectional view taken substantially indicatedby the line 88 of Figon the plane indicated by the line 9- of Fig--v ure 3; J

Figure 10 is a sectional view taken. substantially on the plane indicated by the line l0--l0 of Figure 3:

pressure actuated switch and themeans for admitting fluid pressure ,to the switch comprises a valve connected-to the'device for actuationv by the device at a preselected .point in the movement of the latter in the .dir'ec'tion aforesaid to Figure 11 is a sectional view taken substantially on the plane indicated by the line ll-ll of Figure 3;

Figure 12 is a sectional view taken substantially on the plane indicated by the line l2-l2 of Figure 1;

Figure 13 is a cross sectional view taken substantially on the plane indicated by the line Figure 14 is a diagrammatic view of the apparatus;

Figure 15 is an elevational view of the construction shown in Figure 2;

Figure 16 is a sectional view taken substanially on the line, i B-i 6 of Figure 3;

Figure 17 is an enlarged sectional view featuring the pressure control valve for the electrode piston;

Figure 18 illustrates a typical pressure curve.

The welding device, shown in Figure 1 of the drawings for the purpose of illustration, is of the portable resistance type having a pair of electrodes 20 and 2| mounted for relative movement toward and away from each other. In the present instance, the electrodes are relatively moved toward each other by fluid under pressure to efiectively clamp the work 22 therebetween and are relatively moved in the opposite direction to release the work by suitable spring means.

The lower electrode 2| is suitably universally adjustably mounted on one end of a contact arm 23 having the opposite end suitably secured in a yoke 24. The contact arm 23 is electrically connected in one side of the secondary circuit (not shown) and is formed of a metal having good electrical transmission characteristics to supply electrical energy to the electrode 2|. If desired, a jumper bar 25 may be provided to directly connect the electrode 2i to the contact arm 23, as shown in Figure 1.

The upper electrode 29 is suitablysecured to a second electrical contact arm 26 which is electrically connected to the opposite side of the sec ondary circuit (not shown) through the various parts of the welder and is secured intermediate the ends thereof to the lower end of a plunger tli mounted in a sleeve 23. As shown in Figure l. the plunger 21 is reduced adjacent the lower end to form an annular shoulder 21 normally seated on a corresponding shoulder 23 formed on the sleeve 28. As a result, the sleeve 28 may move downwardly relative to the plunger 21, and this is desirable for reasons to be more fully hereinafter discussed. The sleeve 28 is, in turn, slidably mounted in a bushing 29 extending through an opening 39 formed in a horizontal extension 3| at the upper end of the yoke 24 and insulated from the yoke by means of a sleeve 32 of dielectric material. As shown in Figure 1, the bushing 29 is provided with a laterally outwardly extending annular portion 33 overlapping the top of the ex tension 3! and seated on a washer or gasket 34 of insulating material. -Thus, it will be seen that the upper electrode 20 and associated parts are insulated from the yoke 24 which carries the cooperating lower electrode assembly 2|.

The upper ends of the plunger 21 and associated sleeve 28 extend into a cylinder 35 comprising a tubular body member 36 and a liner 31 sleeved in the body member. The lower ends of the body 35 and liner 3'! are seated upon the flange 33, extending laterally from the upper end of the bushing 29, and the upper end of the liner projects beyond the adjacent end of the body a sufficient distance to form a pilot for 130- the body 36 and forms a closure for the upper end of the cylinder 35.

A piston assembly 39 is reciprocably mounted coil spring 45.

in the cylinder and is suitably secured to the upper end of the sleeve 28. As shown in Figure 1, the piston assembly comprises a ring 40 and a flexible cup-shaped seal 4| provided with a lip of sufficient diameter to frictionally engage the cylinder wall throughout the circumference thereof. The periphery of the ring also slidably engages the cylinder wall and both parts are centrally apertured to permit the upper end of the tube 28 to be extended therethrough.

The upper end of the sleeve 28 is closed by a cap 42 threadedly mounted on the tube and having a portion extending into the cup-shaped seal 4| to form an abutment for the piston assembly 39. The central portion of the cap also forms an abutment for the upper end of a coil spring 43 located within the sleeve 28 and having the lower end acting upon the plunger 21. In this connection, it will be noted that the upper end of the plunger 21 is axially bored, as at 44, to receive the spring 43. The spring 43 functions to maintain the shoulder 21' on the plunger 21 into engagement with the shoulder 28' on the sleeve 28 and yieldably resists movement of the sleeve 28 relativ to the plunger 21 in a downward direction by the piston assembly 39. It may also be pointed out at this time that downward movement of the piston assembly and associated parts from their inoperative or uppermost position in the cylinder 35 is resisted by a The coil spring 45 is located in the cylinder 35 around the sleeve 23 and the opposite ends of the coil spring respectively abut the piston part 49 and the washer 33. In this connection, attention is called to the fact that the bushing 29 is formed with an upwardly projccting tubular extension 46 within which the lower end portion of the spring 45 extends.

With the construction as thus far described, it will be noted that initial downward movement oi the piston assembly 39 in the cylinder is resisted by the coil spring 45 and effects a corresponding downward movement of the plunger 21 until the electrode Ell is positively arrested by engagement with the work 22 whereupon con tinued downward movement of the piston assem bly Zlll is effected relative to the plunger 21. This continued downward movement of the piston assembly 39 requires compression of the spring 43, as well as the spring 45, and, accordingly, the clamping pressure on the work 22 is necessarily substantially increased. The piston assembly 39 continues to move relative to the plunger 21 until the cap 42 abuts the upper end of the plunger whereupon the work 22 is subjected to the maxlmum pressure of the piston motivating means which, in the present instance, is fluid under pressure.

Upon a substantial drop in the pressure of the fluid admitted to the cylinder 35 above the piston assembly 39, the latter assembly, together with the sleeve 28, plunger 21 and associated parts, are moved upwardly to release the electrode 20 "from the work by the coil spring 45. It will, .of course, be understood that during the above return movement of the parts, the plunger 2! is moved to its original position relative to the sleeve 28 wherein the shoulder 21 on the plunger seats on the shoulder 28' on the sleeve. The external diameter of the tubular extension 45 approximates the internal diameter of the cylinder 35 and the central portion of the outer surface is relieved to form'an annular recess 41. The annular recess 41 communicates with aligned openings 49 formed in the cylinder liner 3! and body 35. These openings '48 communicate with the atmosphere and provide for exhausting any fluid trapped beneath the piston assembly 39.

The admission of fluid pressure into the cylinder 35, above the piston assembly 39, is controlled by means ofia valve assembly 49 mounted in the valve head 38. The valve assembly 49 is provided with a sleeve 50 positioned within a bore 5| formed in the valve head 38 and having the lower end communicating with the interior of the cylinder through the upper end of the latter. As shown in Figure l of the drawings, the lower end of the bore 5| is reduced to provide a shoulder 5|"and the adjacent end of the sleeve 50 is likewise reduced to form a shoulder 52 arranged in abutting engagement with the shoulder 5 l and held against the latter shoulder by means the cylinder 35 at a relatively fast rate so as to reduce the time required to engage the electrode 20 with the work to a minimum. However, the portion 51 of the valve plunger 51 is not of suiiicient length to permit the electrode 20 to engage the work while moving at the fast rate mentioned above,'sir 1ce this would cause a severe shock which, of course, would be undesirable. Accordingly, the flow of fluid pressure to of a plug 53 threaded in the upper end of the bore 51. The sleeve 50 is also fashioned with an annular recess in the exterior surface thereofcooperating with the adjacent surface of the bore to provide an annular groove 54 communicating with the interiorof the sleeve through the medi- After the electrode is in engagement with v I the work, the portion 51* controls the flow of um of a plurality of circumferentially spaced apertures 55. The groove 54 also communicates with a fluid pressure supply passage 56 formed in the valve head 38 and supplied with fluid under plessure'in a manner to be presently set' forth. I

The passage of fluid pressure from the interior of the sleeve 50 to the upper end of the cylinder is regulated by a valve member 51in the form of-a plunger reciprocably mounted'in the sleeve and having the lower end pivotally connected to the cap 42 by means of a pin 58. In the present instance, the valve plunger 51 is calibrated to cooperate with the inner surface of the portion of the sleeve 50 below the ports 55 to control the flow of fluid pressure into thecylinder 35 in a manner to effect the following travel of the electrode 20; (1) relatively slow initial movement of the electrode 20 from its re tracted position toward the work to overcome the inertia of the ports, (2) acceleration of the electrode 20 until the latter assumes a position in close proximity to the work to reduce the time of the cycle to a minimum, ('3) retardation oi the electrode velocity to reduce the force of contact of the electrode 20 with the work, and (4) permitting relatively free flow offluid pressure to the cylinder 35 after the electrode engages the work to produce the a desired high Y pressure forging operation.

- With the above in mind, reference is now made to Figure 17, wherein it will be noted that the valve plunger 51 is fashioned with five pressure control portions 51, 51 51, 51, and 51. In Figure 17, the valve plunger 51 is illustrated in the position it assumes when the electrode is in'its uppermost position relativeto the work. In this position of the plunger, the lower end of the portion 51 is in the lower end of the fluid pressure into thecylinder 35 and this portion is tapered from the relatively large diam eterof the portion 51 to a smaller diameter to again increase the rate of flow of fluid pressure into the cylinder until the maximum forging or line pressure is obtained in the cylinder 35.

Circuit control In welding metals having a low melting point, such as aluminum or aluminum alloy, it is de-' sirable to accurately control the circuit to the electrodes in relation to the differential pressures. In the present instance, the circuit to the electrodes is controlled in such a manner that the welding cycle may be effected at any period between the application of the predetermined minimum pressure on the work by the electrodes and the application of the maximum pressure on the work by the electrodes. The interval at which the welding cycleis effected is contingent upon the sige of the welder and the thickness, as

well as the nature of the stock to be welded- When welding metals having a relatively low melting point, the welding cycle is preferably of short duration and is accomplished at a relatively low pressure so as not to displace the plastic metal between'the electrodes. However, greater pressures are required to forge the worksubsequent to the welding cycle and with the above arrangement, this desirable feature may be readily attained.

In detail, the primary circuit (not shown) is opened and closed by means of a switch 6!, shown in Figure 510 as supported on the valve head 38. In actual practice, the switch Si is electrically connected in a primary circuit which includes the usual relay'or other suitable device (not *shown) for actuating the main supply illustrated'in Figure 10 as having a pair of stasleeve 50 and has a diameter such that the flow of fluid pressure into the cylinder 35 is restricted sufliciently to cause a gradual initial moverraent i the electrode 20 toward the work. This is desirable in that it provides for overcoming the inertia of the parts and insures smooth, vibrationless operation. Theportion 51 of the valve trode 20. The portion 51 of the valve plunger 51 provides for the flow of fluid pressure into second chamber 68. "Both the chambers 63 zwith the fluid pressure supply passage 56in a tionaryelectrical contacts 62 projecting into a fluid pressure chamber 63 and carried by an insulating block adapted to close the upper end of the chamber. Also, extending into the chamber 63 is a movable bridge member 65 operatively connected to a piston assembly 61. and

engageable with the contacts 82 to close the cir-' A cuit tothe electrodes. The piston assembly 61 is suitably siidably supported in the switch casing and the'lower endthereof projects into a and 68 communicate manner to be more fully hereinafter set forth and the switch piston 61 is normally urged in a direction to disengage the cooperating contacts by means of a spring 10. Attention may also be called to the fact at this time that the area of the piston assembly 61 exposed to the interior of the chamber 68 is substantially less than the area of the piston assembly exposed to the interior of the chamber 63. In general, the fluid under pressure admitted to the chamber 68 acts upon the relatively small end of the piston assembly and overcomes the action of the spring 18 to engage the movable contact bridge 66 with the stationary contacts 62 to close the primary circuit. On the other hand, the fluid pressure admitted to the chamber 63 acts upon the relatively large end of the piston assembly 61 and when this pressure plus the force exerted by the spring 10 exceeds the pressure in the chamber 68, the bridgemember 66 ismoved away from the stationary contacts 62 to open the primary circuit. As will bepresently set forth, the operation'of the switch BI is accurately timed with the fluid pressure control means to effect the welding cycle at the desired period.

Upon reference to Figures 1 and 14, it will be noted that the flow of fluid pressure to the switch BI is controlled by a valve, assembly II also secured in the valve head 36. The valve assembly H is shown in Figure 1 as having a sleeve 12 mounted within a bore 13 formed in the valve head 38 and opening into the upper end of the cylinder 35. The lower end of the bore 13 is reduced to form an annular shoulder H cooperating with a shoulder on the lower end of the sleeve 12 to secure a seal retainer therebetween. It will also be noted that the bore through the sleeve 38 is reduced at the lower end to slidably receive a tube 16 having the lower end pivotally connected to the cap 42 by means of a clevis 11. A suitable seal 18 surrounds the tube 16 and is held in sealing engagement therewith by means of the retainer 15.

The upper end of the tube 16 projects into the bore of the sleeve 12 and telescopically engages a plunger 19 having a head 88 at the lower end cooperating with an internal annular shoulder 8| at the upper end of the tube 76 to provide a driving connection therebetween. The upper end of the plunger 19 projects beyond the corresponding end of the sleeve '12 and is threaded for adjustably receiving a stop 82, the purpose of which will be more fully set forth.

The sleeve '12 is held in assembled relation with the valve head 38 by means of a clamping ring 82' threaded in the upper end of the bore and seated against an annular shoulder in said bore. The upper end of the bore communicates with a recess 84 closed by a plug 83 and which is sufiicient in size to freely receive the stop 82 on the upper end of the plunger 19. It will be observed from Figure 1 that the recess 84 is restricted by a closure member 85 sleeved in the upper end of the sleeve 12 and having a restricted opening 86 therethrough. The closure 85 seats against a shoulder formed in the sleeve 12 and is clamped against this shoulder by the ring 82'. The opening 86 is fashioned with a diameter greater than the diameter of the stop 82 on the plunger 19 to permit the free passage of said stop therethrough. The arrangement is such that when the electrode piston assembly 39 is moved downwardly under the action of fluid pressure, the tube 16 is moved as a unit with the piston assembly andengages the shoulder 8i,

at the upper end of the tube, with the enlarged head 88 on the lower end of the plunger 1!. As a result, the plunger 19 is also moved downwardly and the adjustable stop 82 is moved through the opening 86 in the closure 85.

As the adjustable stop 82 moves downwardly through the opening 86 in the closure 85, it engages a valve piston 81 slidably mounted in the sleeve I2 and normally urged, by a spring 88, into engagement with the bottom surface or the closure to close communication between the recess 84 and the sleeve 12. Upon reference to Figure 16, it will be noted that the recess Bl communicates with a fluid pressure supply passage 95 through the medium of a port 92. Attention is called to the fact at this time that the spring 88 is of sufficient strength to maintain the valve piston 81 in seating relationship with the closure 85 against the force of the fluid under pressure acting on the valve piston 81 and, accordingly, the fluid pressure is trapped in the recess 84 until the valve piston 81 is positively moved away from the closure 85 by the stop 82. However, when the piston assembly 39 moves downwardly in the manner set forth above, the stop 82 engages the piston valve 81 and moves the same against the action of the spring 88 to permit fluid pressure to flow into th upper end of the sleeve 12. The fluid under pressure entering the sleeve 12 flows through a series of ports 89 formed through the side wall of the sleeve 12 adjacent the upper end thereof and communicating with an annular chamber 98 extending around the sleeve 12. As shown in Figure 16, the chamber 90 communicates with a fluid supply passage 9| which, in turn, communicates with both the switch chambers 63 and 68 in a manner to be presently described.

As will be presently set forth, the passage 5| serves the switch 6| with the required fluid under pressure to operate this switch. It follows, therefore, that the period at which the switch operates with respect to clamping engagement of the electrodes with the work may be accurately regulated by adjusting the position of the stop 82 on the plunger 79. In other words. the valve assembly ll may be regulated to operate in timed relation to the operation of the valve assembly 49 to admit fluid pressure to the switch 6| at any preselected clamping pressure applied to the work by the electrodes.

Reference has been made above to the fact that the several instrumentalities of the welder are served with fluid under pressure from the supply passage 56. This passage is formed in the handle portion 96 of the welder and communicates with a source of fluid under pressure by means of a passage 91 formed in the grip 98 of the handle portion. The handle portion is formed integral with the valve head 38 and is fashioned to receive a valve assembly 89 between the passage 56 and the passage 91. The valve assembly 99 controls communication between the passage 91 and the passage 56, and is manually operated by means of a trigger I08 suitably pivotally mounted on the handle portion in convenient position to the grip 98. a

Upon reference to Figure 2, it will be noted that the valve assembly 99 comprises a cylinder in the form of a sleeve HII fixed in a bore I82 formed in the handle portion 86 opposite the trigger I80 and having ports I03 in opposite side walls respectively communicating with the fluid pressure supply passages 56 and 91. Communication between the ports I03 is controlled by a piston in the form of a tube I04 slidably mounted in the cylinder MI and having an annular groove I formed in the outer surface thereof for registration with both the ports I03 when the piston I04 is in its operative position, shown in Figure 1.

The piston or tube I04 is moved to its retracted position by means of a plunger I06 slidably mounted in the tube I04 with the forward end extending beyond the tube I04 for engagement with the rear side of the trigger I00 and having the rear end adapted to engage a transverse partition I01 in the piston or tube I04. The opposite side of the partition I01 also forms an abutment for the forward end of a spring I08 located in the cylinder IM and having the rear end abutting a closure cap I09 threaded in the rear end of the bore I02. As a result, the spring I08 normally urges the piston I04 to its outermost position shown in Figure 2 wherein communication, between the'supply passage 91 and passage 56 is closed.

With the above construction, it will be noted that operation of thewelder is initiated by manipulating the trigger I00 to move the plunger I06 rearwardly intov engagement with the parti tion I01. Continued rearward movement of the plunger by the trigger effects a corresponding movement of the piston I04 against the action of the spring I08 and registers the groove I05 in the piston with the ports I03 in the cylinder. Inasmuch as the ports I03 register with the passages 56 and 91, it follows that fluid under pressure flows to the several instrumentalities of the welder to actuate the latter in a manner to be more fully set forth in the following description of the operation of the welder.

Attention may be called to the fact at this time that the plunger I06 is returned to its forwardmost position by the fluid pressure flowing from the passage 91. Upon reference to Figure 2, it will be noted that the rear end portion of the plunger I06 is reduced to form an annular chamber .I I0 around the plunger communicating applied to the trigger I00 by the operator.

In accordance with the present invention, the piston I04 is automatically moved to a position wherein communication between the passages 91 and 56 is closed by means of fluid under pressure admitted to the cylinder IOI at the rear side of the piston. The fluid under pressure is admitted to the cylinder I0l at the rear side of the piston I04 by means of the passage II5 communicating with 'an annular chamber II6 surrounding the cap I09 within the bore I02. The annular chamber H6 is shown in Figure 2 as communicating with a central recess II1 formed in the cap I09 and this recess, in turn, communicateswith the rear end of the cylinder I0I. The arrangement is such that when the pressure of the fluid at the reariendof thepiston I04 plus the force exerted by the spring I08 exceeds the fluid pressure flowing from the supthe cylinder IOI at the rear side of the piston I04 determines the interval in the welding cycle at which the flow of fluid pressure to the welder is discontinued and, in the present instance, this period may be regulated by a metering valve 8 located in the passage II5.

When the piston I04 is returned to its closed position shown in Figure 2, communication is established between an exhaust port H9 and both of the passages 56 and I I5. Upon reference to Figure 2, it will be noted that the exterior surface of the cylinder IN is formed with an elongated passage I registering with the entrant end of the passage 56 and communicating with the rear end of the cylinder IOI which, in turn, communicates with the atmosphere through the exhaust passage II9. Inasmuch as the passage I I5 also communicates with the rear end of the cylinder IOI, it necessarily follows that when the piston I04 is in its forwardmost position shown in Figure 2, the switch GI and associated fluid pressure passages are exhausted.

It will, of course, be understood that when the electrode cylinder communicates with the exhaust passage II9, the pressure in this cylinder above the piston assembly 39 drops to such an extent as to permit the springs 43 and 45 to return the piston assembly to its uppermost position. The valve member 51, of course, moves upwardly with the piston assembly 39 and, as the tapered valve surface moves into the sleeve 50, the rate of exhaust through the passage 56 is restricted. This, of course, is objectionable in that it reduces the number of welds capable of being periormed in a given time interval and is avoided herein by providing a pressure relief valve A for the cylinder 35. As shown in Figure" 1, the pressure relief valve operates upon initial upward movement of the piston assembly 39 by 40' the springs to quickly exhaust the cylinder 35 mentalities of the welding device, reference will now be made to the manner in which the various instrumentalities cooperate to satisfactorily produce a weld. Assuming that the various parts of the welding device are in their relative positions shown in Figure 1,'it will be noted .that the operator grasps the grip portion 98 of the welder and exerts a rearward pull on the trigger I00. As a result of this movement of the trigger I00, the plunger I06 is moved rearwardly to engage the partition I01 in the piston I04 and eifects a corresponding movement of the piston to a position wherein the annular chamber I05,

ply passage 91 to the passage 56, the piston is I moved to the position thereof shown in Figure 2 wherein communication from the supply passage 91 to the passage 56 is discontinued. It follows, therefore, that the rate of pressure rise in surrounding the piston, registers with the ports I03. As pointed out above, movement of the piston I04 to its operative position also registers the passage H2 in the plunger with the fluid pressure supply line 91, with the result that fluid pressure builds. up in the piston behind the plunger and forces the latter outwardly against any pressure that may be applied to the trigger I00 by the operator. The control of the welder is then divorced from the operator and the several instrumentalities of the welder are automatically operated in proper timed relationship without any assistance from the operator.

When the piston I04 is in its rearwardmost position set forth above, fluid under "pressure is bypassed around the piston to the passage 56. The

flow of fluid under pressure from the passages 50 to the cylinder 33 is controlled by the valve the pressure in the upper end of the cylinder 35 exceeds the counteracting iorce applied to the piston assembly I! by the spring 45, the piston assembly and associated parts are moved downwardiy-as a wit to engage the electrode 20 with the work 22. As the piston assembly 38 moves downwardly in the cylinder 35, the valve memher I] is also moved downwardly and the rate of flow of fluid pressure into the cylinder 35 or, in other words, the rate of travel of the electrode II is respectively controlled by the portions 51, '1", 81, I1 and 51 the valve plunger 51.

During the interval the portion 51 controls the,

rate of flow of fluid pressure into the upper end of the cylinder 35, the electrode engages the mrk at a relatively slow speed to avoid undue shocks and continued movement of the electrode piston II relative to the electrode brings the portion ll of thevalve, plunger 51 in operation to increase the pressure in the cylinder at a faster rate. As the pressure in the cylinder 85 increases, the additional torce oi the spring 43 is overcome and the sleeve 28 is moved downwardly relative to the plunger I'I until the cap 42 abuts the upper end of the plunger 21. When this condition exists, fluid pressure is permitted to flow relatively freely into the upper end oi. the cylinder 3! and, accordingly, the work 22 between the electrodes is subjected to the maximum pressure of the fluid. The circuit to the electrodes is-closed to eftect the weld alter the electrodes are relatively moved into engagement with the work and in timed relation to the maximum pressure exerted by the electrodes on the work. In this connection, attention is again directed to Figure, 14 wherein it will be noted that fluid pressure also flows from the passage 56 into the passage 85 which communicates with the recess 84 formed in w the cap I! above the valve piston 81. As pointed out above. the valve piston 81 is operated by the spring II to normally close the recess N and is positively moved to open the port 86 at the lower end of the recess by means of the adjustable stop 82. The adJustable stop I! is moved downwardly to actuateithe valve piston against the action of initial movement of the valve piston 81 in a downward direction permits fluid pressure to flow from the recess 84 to the passage BI. The passage II is shown in Figure 14 as communicating with the plunger I! in the manner defined in detail -above. It will suflice to bring out at this point that when pressure becomes too great. By carefully adlusting the stop 82 and the metering valve I23, the switch may be automatically closed at any point in the range of pressures from a predetermined minimum pressure to the maximum pressure available. In welding metals having a low 7 melting point, the duration of the weld is necesing chamber I also communicates with the the spring ll by the piston assembly. 38 and chamber I of the switch SI by means of a 'passage I12 having a metering valve I23 therein'for controlling the rate ot pressure rise in the switch accuratelyv regulated by adjusting the stop 81 on the plunger ll. In the event that the work 22 constitutes metal having a relatively low melt-' ing point, it is'desirable to effect closing of the switch II soon after the electrodes are relatively moved inib engagement with the work so that the welding period may be consummated'beiore the. (5 nature of the welder, attention is directed to circuit to chamber 63 of the switch and provides for build ing upthe pressure in this chamber required to automatically open the switch after a predetermined interval elapses. The spring Ill in the switch, 01' course, assists the fluid pressure in the chamber 63 to open the switch against the action or the fluid pressure in the chamber 68 and the time interval of opening of the switch is regulated by the metering valve I26.

The pressure accumulating chamber I25 also communicates with the passage H5 by means of a passage I21 and the metering valve H8 is shown in Figure 14 as positioned between these two passages. As stated above, the fluid pressure flowing through the passage H5 is discharged into the recess II! at the rear end of the cylinder ill] of the valve assembly 99 so as to permit building up the pressure in the cylinder llll in rear of the piston I04 required to return the piston to its closed position, shown in Figure 2 of' the drawings. The rate at which pressure is permitted to build up in rear of the piston I04 is accurately. regulated by means 0! the metering valve I I8 and the latter is adjusted to insure operation of the switch 61 to open the circuit to the electrodes before the piston HM moves to its closed position in.the, cylinder Illl. As a matter of fact, the rate of pressure rise at the rear end When the piston m is moved to its closed or.

i'orwardmost position in the cylinder IIII, the exhaust passage I I! is uncovered by the piston. As

"a result, communication is established from the electrode cylinder 85 back through the passage It and through thee I20 to the exhaust passage I I8. It follows, therefore, that the pressure in the electrode cylinder. 35 drops to such an extent that the springs 43 and 45 act to rethe exhaust passage ll! communicates with the interior of the cylinder lfll through the'rear end portion of the latter, it also follows that the fluid pressure in the accumulating chamber I25 and in the switch chambers 63, 68 is exhausted directly out of "the cylinder IIH through the "passage H9.

In order to illustrate more clearly the flexible at 60 cycles and this time interval is controlled by the design of the valve 49. The peak pressure is reached at 147 cycles and the time required for the pressure to build up to this peak pressure is also controlled by the design of the'valve 49.

In this instance, the peak pressure is maintained 10 for 12 cycles and this period is controlled by the needle valve H8. The pressure is dropped after an interval of 12' cycles duration by exhausting the fluid pressure and the electrodes are relatively moved out of engagement with the work at 15 the point indicated on the curve.

The switch 6| may be operated to effect the weld at any point between the interval the electrodes engage the work and the interval the electrodes disengage the work. In Figure 18, I have shown various diflerent points of application of the welding current during the pressure cycle. At A, I have shown the welding current applied at a relatively low pressure and at B, C, and D,

I have shown the current as applied at different periods during the rise in pressure from zero to maximum. At E, I have shown the welding current as applied during the period peak pressure is maintained and at F and G, I have shown the current as applied during the interval the pressure drops. These latter examples are applicable to special instances only and are merely shown to illustrate the highly flexible nature of the welder. It may also be pointed out that the interval (a) the switch 6| operates to close the circuit is controlled by the adjustable stop 82 in conjunction with the needle valve I23, and the interval (b) the switch operates to open the circuit to the electrodes is controlled by the needle valve I26. 40

for exerting a comparatively high-clamping pressure on the weld so as to insure effectively forging the weld. The forging pressure is applied to the weld after the latter has become sufflciently cooled to withstand thlspressure and, in order-to expediate the cooling operation, both electrodes may be artificially cooled. As shown in Figure 1, each of the electrode carrying arms 23 and 26 is provided with passages I30 arranged in such a manner asrto permit the circulation of a cooling medium, such as water, in heat conducting relationship to the work engaging ends or the electrodes. What I claim as my invention is:

1. In an electric welding apparatus, a pair of relatively movable electrodes cooperating with each other to clamp the work to be welded therebetween and arranged in an electric circuit, a switch in said circuit, fluid pressure actuated means for relatively moving the electrodes into engagement with the work, means controlling the pressure applied to the electrode moving means andxoperable upon engagement of the electrodes with the work to increase the pressure to a predetermined maximum value, and means controlled by the fluid pressure applied to the electrode moving means for operating the switch to successively close and open the circuit to the electrodes during the rise in pressure to said maximum value.

2. In an electric welding apparatus, a pair of relatively movable electrodes cooperating with each other to clamp the work to be welded therebetween and arranged in an electric circuit, a switch in said circuit operated by fluid pressure to close the circuit, a device operated by fluid pressure for relatively moving the electrodes into engagement with the work, means operated by said device for controlling the fluid-pressure applied to the device, said control meansoperable subsequent to engagement of the electrodes with the work to increase the pressure applied to the device to a predetermined maximum value, and means also operated by said device to.control the supply of fluid pressure to the switch and operable to successively close and open said circuit in timed relation to the application of said increased pressure on the electrode moving device.

3. In an electric welding apparatus, a pair of relatively movable electrodes cooperating with each other to clamp the work to be welded therebetween and arranged in an electric circuit, a switch in said circuit operated by fluid pressure .to successively close and open said circuit, a member movable in one direction by fluid pressure and effective to relatively move the electrodes into engagement with the work under the action of the pressure of the fluid, a valve. controlling the application of fluid pressure on said member and connected to said member for operation thereby to-gradually increase the pressure from a predetermined minimum value to a predetermined maximum value, a second valve controlling the flow of fluid pressure to the switch and also connected to said member for actuation thereby to effect operation of the switch to close said circuit during the rise in pressure from said predetermined minimum value, and means for supplying fluid pressure to the switch and efiective to operate the latter to open the circuit in timed relation to closing of said circuit.

4. In an electric welding apparatus, a pair of relatively movable electrodes cooperating with each other to clamp the work to be welded therebetween and arranged in an electric circuit, a switch in said circuit operated by fluid pressure to close the, circuit, a device operated by fluid pressure for relatively moving the electrodes into engagement with the work, means operated by said device for controlling the rate of flow of fluid under pressure admitted to the device and operable upon engagement of the electrodes with 'the work to increase the rate of flow of fluid under pressure to the device to a predetermined maximum value, means also operated by said device to control the supply of fluid pressure to the switch and operable to successively close and open said switch in timed relation to the operation of said first named control means to increase the rate of flow of fluid under pressure to said device, means for regulating the operation of the 2 second named pressure control means to vary the interval of closing of the switch with respect to the pressure applied to said device, and means for regulating the interval of opening the switch to provide welding periods of different lengths.

5. In an electric welding apparatus, a pair of relatively movable electrodes cooperating with each other to clamp the work to be welded therebetween and arranged in an electric circuit, a switch in said circuit operated by fluid pressure to successively close and open said circuit, a

-member movable in one direction by fluid pressure and efiective to relatively move the electrodes into engagement with the work under the said circuit during the rise in pressure from said predetermined minimum value, means for supplying fluidpressure to the switch to operate the latter to open the circuit in timed relation to closing of said circuit, an adjustable lost motion connection between the second valve and memher to vary the interval of closing of the switch with respect to the pressure applied to said member, and adjustable means for controlling the flow of fluid pressure to the switch opening means to provide welding periods of different lengths.

6. In an electric Welding apparatus, a pair of relatively vmovable electrodes cooperating with each other to clamp the work to be welded therebetween and arranged in an electric circuit, a switch in said circuit, fluid pressure actuated means for relatively moving the electrodes into engagement with the work, means controlling the pressure applied to the electrode moving means and operable upon engagement of the electrodes with'the work to increase the pressure to a predetermined maximum value, means controlled by the fluid pressure applied to the election of the maximum pressure and the interval the latter pressure isdiscontinued.

7. In an electric welding apparatus, a pair oi relatively movable electrodes engageable with the work to be welded, a cylinder communicatingrf with a source of fluid under pressure, a piston reciprocably mounted in said cylinder and operatively connected to one or the electrodes for moving the latter into engagement with the work under the action or the fluid pressure admitted aar varflow of fluid under pressure to said cylinder and operable upon engagement of the electrodes with the work to'increase the rate of flow of fluid. under pressure to the cylinder, and electric circuit serving the electrodes, a switch in said circuit, means responsive to the pressure in the cylinder for actuating the switch to successively close and open said circuit, and means for regulating the switch actuating means to effect closing and opening of the circuit during a predetermined period in the interval the pressure in the cylinder increases to a predetermined maximum value.

9. In an electric welding apparatus, a pair of relatively movable electrodes engageable with the work to be welded, a cylinder communicating with a source of fluid under pressure, a piston reciprocably mounted in said cylinder and operatively connected to one 01 the electrodes for moving the latter into engagement with the work under the .action or the fluid pressure admitted to the cylinder, means controlling the rate 0! flowof fluid under pressure to said cylinder and operable upon engagement of the electrodes with the work to increase the rate or flow of fluid under pressure to the cylinder, an electric circuit serving the electrodes, a switch in said circuit, means responsive to the pressure in the cylinder for actuating the switch to successively close and open said circuit, means for regulating the switch actuating means to eiIect closing and opening of the circuit during a predetermined period in the interval the pressure in the cylinder increases to a predetermined maximum value, and

,means for regulating the time interval between closing and opening of the switch to provide welding periods of different lengths.

10. In an electric welding apparatuaa pair at relatively movable electrodes engageable with the work-4o be welded, a cylinder communicating with a source of fluid under pressure, a piston reciprocably mounted in said cylinder and operatively connected to one of the electrodes for moving the latter into engagement with thework under the action of the fluid pressure admitted to the cylinder, a valveconnected to said piston and operated by the latter to supply fluid pres sure to the cylinder at different rates as said piston moves in a direction toward the work, an

to the cylinder, a valve connected to said piston and operated by the latter to supply fluid prescircuit.

8.- In an electric welding apparatus, a pair of relatively movable electrodes engageable with the work to be welded, a cylindencommunicating with a source 01' fluid under pressure, a piston:

reciprocably mounted in said cylinder and, operatively connected to one of the electrodes for moving the latter into engagement with the'work electric circuit serving the electrodes, 9. switch in said circuit operated by fluid pressure to suc-' cessively close and open the circuit, and a second valve connected tothe piston and operated by under the action or the',fluid pressure admitted under the action or the fluid pressure :admitted operated by fluid pressure to successively close and open ;;the circuit, a second valve controlling the flow oi fluid pressure to the switch, means cessively close and open the circuit to the elec-- connecting the second valve to the piston for action by the latter to operate the switch to suctrodes in timed relation to movement of the piss ton under the influence of fluid pressure, means for regulating the interval of operation of the second valve by the piston to provide for closing and opening the switch at difierent periods in the interval the pressure increases in the cylinder from a predetermined minimum value to a predetermined maximum value, and means for regulating the time interval between closing and opening of the circuit by the switch.

12. In an electric welding apparatus, a pair of relatively movable electrodes engageable with the work to be welded, a cylinder communicating with a source of fluid under pressure, a piston reciprocably mounted in said cylinder and operatively connected to one of the electrodes for moving the latter into engagement with the work under the action of the fluid pressure admitted to the cylinder,'a valve controlling the flow'of fluid under pressure to the cylinder and operated by the piston subsequent to engagement of the electrodes with the work to increase the rate of work to be welded, a source of fluid under pressure, a cylinder communicating with the source of fluid under pressure, a piston reciprocably mounted in the cylinder and operatively con-- nected to one of the electrodes for moving the latter into engagement with the work under the influence of fluid under pressure admitted to the cylinder, a valve controlling the flow of fluid pressure to the cylinder and operated by the pis-' ton subsequent to engagement of the electrodes with the work to increase the rate of flow of fluid pressure to the cylinder, a second valve located between the source of fluid pressure supply and first valve operable to control the supply of fluid under pressure to the latter valve, an exhaust nected to one of the electrodes for moving the latter into engagement with the work under the influence of the fluid under pressure admitted to the cylinder, a valve controlling the supply of fluid under pressure to the cylinder and operated by the pistonsubsequent to engagement of the electrodes with the work to increase the rate of 15. In an electric welding apparatus, a pair of relatively movable electrodes engageable with the work to be welded, a source of fluid under pressure, a cylinder communicating with the source of fluid under pressure, a piston reciprocably mounted in the cylinder and operatively connected to one of the electrodes for moving the latter into engagement with the work under the influence of fluid under pressure admitted to the cylinder, a valve controlling the flow of fluid pressure to the cylinder and operated by the pis-. ton as the latter moves toward the work to supply fluid pressure to the cylinder, a second valve located between the source of fluid pressure supply and first valve operable to control the supply offluid under pressure to the latter valve, an exhaust port controlled by the second valve and communicating with the cylinder, fluid pressure means for operating the second valve to open the exhaust port in timed relation to movement of the electrode aforesaid into engagement with the work, spring means acting on the piston to move the latter in a direction away from the work upon a drop in fluid pressure in the cylinder, and a pressure relief valve associated with the cylinder and operated upon movement of the piston under the action of the spring means to exhaust said cylinder.

16. In an electric welding apparatus, a pair of relatively movable electrodes engageable with the work to be welded, fluid pressure actuated means for moving one of the electrodes into engagement with the work, a valve operated by the electrode movable meansand having provision for differentially controlling the fluid pressure acting on said movable means, said valve having a portion responsive to initial movement of the electrode toward the work to admit a substantial quantity of fluid under pressure to the elec- 'trode moving means to cause the said one electrode to approach the Work at a relatively fast rate and having another portion for reducing the quantity of fluid admitted to the electrode moving means just prior to engagement of the said one electrode with the work to retard the rate of movement of the said one electrode and having still another portion responsive to engagement of the said one electrode with the work to gradually increase the rate of flow of fluid under pressure to the electrode moving means and thereby gradually increase the pressure to a predetermined maximum value.

flow of fluid pressure to the cylinder, an electric circuit serving the electrodes, a fluid pressure operated switch in the circuit responsive to movement of the piston in a direction to engage the electrode aforesaid with the work to successively close and open'said circuit, a second valve located between the source of fluid pressure and first valve operable to supply fluid pressure to the latter valve, an exhaust port for both the cylinder and switch controlled by said second valve, and fluid pressure means for operating the second valve to exhaust the cylinder and switch in timed relation to movement of the electrode into engagement with the work.

- 17. In an electric welding apparatus, a pair of relatively movable electrodes engageable with the work to be welded, fluid pressure actuated means connected to one of the electrodes for movement of the latter into engagement with the work, a valve operated by the electrode moving means and having provision for differentially controlling the fluid pressure acting on the electrode moving means, said valve having'a portion responsive to an initial movement of the said one electrode toward the 'work to admit a substantial quantity of fluid pressure to the electrode moving means to cause the said one electrode to approach the. work at a relatively fast rate and having another portion for reducing the rate of flow of the fluid pressure just prior to contact of the said one electrode with the work to retard the rate of movement of the latter electrode and having still another portion responsive to engagement of the said one electrode with the work to gradually increase the rate of flow of fluid under pressure to the electrode moving means and thereby gradually increase the pressure to a predetermined maximum value, an electric circuit serving both the electrodes, a switch controlling said circuit, and means for closing and opening the switch at a predetermined point in the rise in pressure following engagement of the said one electrode with the work.

18. In an electric welding apparatus, a pair of relatively movable electrodes to be engageable with the work, a cylinder communicating with a source of fluid under pressure, a piston reciprocably mounted in said cylinder and operatively connected to one of the electrodes for moving the latter into engagement with the work under the action of the fluid pressure admitted to the cylinder, 21 valve operated by the'piston and having provision for diiferentially controlling the fluid pressure admitted to the cylinder, said valve having a portion responsive to the initial movement of the said one electrode toward the work by the piston to admit fluid under pressure at a substantially fast rate in the cylinder and having another portion for retarding the rate of flow of fluid under pressure introduced into the cylinder just prior to engagement of the said one electrode with the work and having still another portion responsive to engagement of the said one electrode with the work to gradually increase the rate of flow of fluid under pressure to the cylinder and thereby increase the pressure applied to the work by the said one electrode to a predetermined maximum value, a switch in said circuit for closing the circuit and for opening the circuit in predetermined timed relation to closing of said circuit, and adjustable means operated by the pistonfor operating the switch to close the switch at different intervals in the rise in pressure following engagement of the said one electrode .with the Work.

19. In an electric welding apparatus, a pair of relatively movable electrodes engageable with the work to be welded, a cylinder having a head provided with a bore communicatingwith a source of fluid under pressure, a piston reciprocably mounted in said cylinder and operatively connected to one of the electrodes, a valve plunger reciprocably mounted in said bore and operatively connected to the piston for actuation by the latter, said valve plunger having axially spaced portions of different diameter cooperating with the bore to differentially control the flow of fluid pressure into the cylinder independence upon movement of the piston in a direction to engage the said one electrode with the work.

20. In an electric welding apparatus, an electrode movable into engagement with the work to be welded and arranged in an electric circuit, a switch insaid circuit, fluid pressure actuated means for moving the electrode into engagement with the work, means for admitting fluid under pressure to the electrode moving means including a valve operable subsequent to engagement of the electrode with the work to vary the rate of flow of fluid under pressure to the electrode moving means, and means for operating the switch in timed relation to the operation of said valve to vary the rate of flow of fluid under pressure to the electrode moving means.

21. In an electric welding apparatus, an electrode movable into engagement with the work to be welded and arranged in an electric circuit, a switch in said circuit movable to its closed and open positions by fluid pressure, fluid pressure actuated means for moving the electrode into engagement with the work, means for admitting fluid under pressure to the electrode moving means including a valve operable subsequent to engagement of the electrode with the work to increase the rate of flow of fluid under pressure to the electrode moving means and thereby increase the pressure applied to the work by said electrode, and means for admitting fluid under pressure to the switch to successively close and open the switch in timed relation to the application of the increased pressure on the work by said electrode.

22. In an electric welding apparatus, an electrode movable into engagement with the work to be Welded and arranged in an electric circuit, a switch in said circuit, fluid pressure actuated means for moving the electrode into engagement with the work, means for admitting fluid under pressure to the electrode moving means including a valve, means between the valve and electrode moving means for controlling the rate of 1 flow of fluid under pressure to the electrode moving means, said control means being operable to increase the rate of flow of fluid under pressure to the electrode moving means subsequent to cngagement of the electrode with the work and thereby increase the pressure applied to the work by said electrode, and means for successively closing and opening said switch in timed relation to the rise in pressure exerted on the work by said electrode.

HENRY THOMAS PLATZ. 

